VISITSCOTLAND AND CALMAC JOIN FORCES TO CREATE NEW INFORMATION CENTRE AND TICKET OFFICE IN ARGYLL

The VisitScotland Information Centre (VIC) in Tarbert, Loch Fyne has re-opened with a fresh new look, following a major investment by VisitScotland and ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac.)
The aim is to improve the visitor experience and inspire both locals and visitors to discover more of the surrounding area and the rest of Scotland.

Tarbert is among a handful of Information Centres across the country to benefit from a refurbishment as part of the national tourism organisation’s ongoing programme to update, rebrand and improve facilities throughout its entire Information Centre network.

VisitScotland are working in partnership with CalMac who will operate a ticket office from within the new Centre, the co-location arrangement compliments the existing information service and provides customers with the opportunity to gather information on what to see and do and purchase ferry tickets under one roof. The move follows a similar agreement in Mull where CalMac’s premises in Tobermory have been equipped to provide information for tourists.

VisitScotland and CalMac have made a substantial investment in the redevelopment of the Information Centre which includes a new interior design and improved layout and zoning, based on detailed consumer research, in order to improve the visitor experience. The aim is to educate, inform and inspire visitors and to help them get more out of their visit and to return bringing valuable economic impact to the local economy.

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, said: “I am delighted with the new VisitScotland Information Centre in Tarbert, which offer locals and visitors an impressive new look and feel designed to inspire them to explore the surrounding area and beyond.
”Our professional and knowledgeable VisitScotland staff will continue to deliver excellent and friendly help and advice from this state of the art facility and we are especially pleased to be able to re-open in time for the start of the Spring-Summer season.”

Fay Harris, Caledonian MacBrayne’s Regional Manager for Islay and Kintyre, said: “Many visitors to the west coast of Scotland inevitably find themselves, at some time during their stay, in a CalMac office or ferry terminal, and often require general information about accommodation and places to visit in addition to ferry fares and times. It therefore makes perfect sense to work with VisitScotland to provide a “one-stop shop” that can meet a wide range of their needs, and I am sure this new facility will prove a valuable addition to the facilities for visitors to this part of Argyll.”

VistScotland has conducted extensive consumer research which concludes that visitors want to see Information Centres as dynamic and inspirational providers of information and advice. Findings confirmed that visitors value the ‘personal touch’ and that they do more and spend more as a result of the information and ideas they get from visiting a VisitScotland Information Centre.

The research identified that almost half of all visitors to Information Centres are Scots who do not identify with the word ‘tourist’, so the name change to ‘VisitScotland Information Centre’ contributes to a valuable opportunity to reach many more locals as well as visitors to the area, informing them of the great attractions, accommodation and facilities in the region. The staff will continue to provide an excellent service offering inspiration and practical help to anyone planning a day trip or short break anywhere in Scotland.

VisitScotland’s network of Information Centres welcomes approximately 5.5 million visitors each year with Tarbert, which is open seasonally, attracting around 37,000 visitors annually. Footfall is expected to increase following the upgrading of the Centre.